New straight razor advice

[miksterz]

Hello,

I am considering buying a new (as opposed to vintage) straight razor. I know people have strong opinions on new versus vintage, but what I would like to know is what views people have on the range of available new straight razors. Given that my budget is around $175 and I have coarse facial hair (not sure how relevant that is), what would be my best option from the following:

Dovo
Thiers Isaard
Timor/Timor By Giesen & Forsthoff

Would appreciate any insights!

 

[Doc226]

I would go with with either a TI or a Boker

I have an entry level Dovo with stabilizer intrusion and scales that did not allow the razor to sit up.

I don't have any experience with Timor razors.

 

[noahpictures]

I would go with TI.

 

[ridnovir]

My first was Dovo Silver Steel 5/8 I still have it. Great razor to learn the ropes with.

 

[Seraphim]

The Thiers-Issard "Special Coiffeur", 1/2 hollow, which may feel more comfortable for a stiff beard when just starting out.

 

[rickboone1]

dovo

 

[Lmarkow]

Boker Silver Steel was my first, extra hollow and right under your price range.

 

[Razorsharp1986]

Nothing wrong with any of these. I started with a TI, but have used a new Dovo too.
Haven't used Timor, and only a vintage Boker King Cutter, which is supposedly way better than the current version.
The TI is great. My first straight razor and definitely here to stay. The dovo is great too, but needed more work to get shave ready.
YMMV

 

[Grooming and Gaming]

I'm new to wet shaving also and wanted to add some questions that I think are on-topic.

How frequently do you change blades? I imagine "when it gets dull" is the correct answer but from a time perspective? Sometimes I just shave too light and don't want to blame it on dull blades.

Most of these razors are double sided. Do you use both sides evenly? Do a stroke, flip the razor, repeat? If not what's the common usage for the flip side?

 

[Kentos]

I'm new to wet shaving also and wanted to add some questions that I think are on-topic.

How frequently do you change blades? I imagine "when it gets dull" is the correct answer but from a time perspective? Sometimes I just shave too light and don't want to blame it on dull blades.

Most of these razors are double sided. Do you use both sides evenly? Do a stroke, flip the razor, repeat? If not what's the common usage for the flip side?

Welcome to B&B Dave! When I used a DE I would change a blade every 5 shaves or so. When one side got loaded with lather I would flip it over and use the other side. IIRC I could do a quarter of my face before flipping it over.

 

[Marco]

I'd go with a TI or a Boker. I really like modern Bokers...

 

[Giant Kiwi]

I have new Dovo and it did take a little work to get it ready but I really like it.

 

[Obiwan]

IME, they are all nice. What's your eye drawn to?

 

[Wingnut]

I'm new to wet shaving also and wanted to add some questions that I think are on-topic.

How frequently do you change blades? I imagine "when it gets dull" is the correct answer but from a time perspective? Sometimes I just shave too light and don't want to blame it on dull blades.

Most of these razors are double sided. Do you use both sides evenly? Do a stroke, flip the razor, repeat? If not what's the common usage for the flip side?

Hi Dave, welcome to B&B!

You might want to head over to our "Shave Clinic and Newbie Check-In" forum to ask these questions, since this area is primarily concerned with straight razor use. However, I concur with Kent--I usually change my DE blades about every 3-4 shaves, and I just use one side until it's full of lather, then flip it and use the other.

When you get a chance, please head over to our Hall of Fame and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to beginning shavers--perhaps you might like to have a look at them. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.

Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!

 

[miksterz]

Thanks, everyone. I am leaning towards a TI at the moment, with Dovo not far behind.

 

[suits123]

I would go for a revisor you can get a nice 6/8 or 7/8 for around that price and the shave is so smooth!

 

[mdunn]

I've never tried bokers.

But I have one dovo pearlex, and all four silverwing TI's... I think that explains my preference.